Regardless of whether you are fighting a child custody battle child, or need advice on division of marital assets in a divorce, a skilled attorney can be of great help. Divorce in North Carolina doesn’t have to be complicated. If you meet the residency requirements and have been living apart and separately for at least a year (in a separate residence), you can file for no-fault divorce. This is true even when your spouse doesn’t want the same. An accomplished Charlotte family law attorney can guide on how to sort issues, so that your divorce can be finalized sooner. Here are some tips to consider when you are meeting an attorney for the first time.
Be honest
Family law is complicated, and an attorney only advise rightly when they know the facts of your case. Consider answering these questions-
- Why do you want a divorce in the first place?
- Do you want the physical custody of your child?
- How much time can you dedicate to your child after separation?
- Is your spouse having an affair? Or are you having an affair?
- Did you inherit property during the course of your marriage?
- Where do you see yourself financially in the next five years?
- Do you want to ask for spousal support?
- Are you on talking terms with your spouse?
- Do you expect your spouse to cooperate.
- Did you suffer domestic violence in your marriage?
- Are (or were) you addicted to drugs and alcohol during your marriage?
These are details that an attorney will want to know. For example, if your spouse has been violent or abusive in front of the kids in the past, your lawyer can use that to negotiate custody.
Discuss the costs
Divorces can be expensive. You need to let your attorney know of your financial condition in advance. If you are the one filing for divorce, there are initial expenses, and your lawyer’s fee will be an additional variable cost. Ask the attorney about the overall cost of the divorce, so that you prep financially. Divorce attorneys in NC usually have a flat retainer fee, or charge an hourly rate, and it all depends on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Share your expectations
Your attorney will want to know what you expect from your spouse and the divorce. This is an important aspect, given that your life ahead will depend on the decisions you take now.
When you are unsure of your choices and rights, trust the advice of your attorney.
